Mineral
Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate)
Also known as: Chromium Polynicotinate, Chelated Chromium, GTF Chromium, Cr
Chromium is a trace mineral that enhances insulin signaling and glucose metabolism by potentiating insulin receptor activity. The nicotinate glycinate chelate form combines chromium with niacin and glycine for improved stability and absorption.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Chromium Picolinate | 92 A | $0.33 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations PureLean Satiety | 89 A | $0.88 |
| 3 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 4 | Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day | 88 A | $0.60 |
| 5 | Thorne Basic Prenatal | 88 A | $1.23 |
| 6 | Thorne Men's Multi 50+ | 88 A | $1.87 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Chromium (picolinate) 500 mcg | 88 A | $0.33 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600 | 88 A | $0.27 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Chromium (picolinate) 200 mcg | 88 A | $0.21 |
| 10 | Double Wood Chromium Picolinate Supplement | 88 A | $0.13 |
| 11 | Life Extension Optimized Chromium | 88 A | $0.11 |
| 12 | Solgar Chromium Picolinate | 88 A | $0.27 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) should I take?
The typical range is 200-400 mcg daily. Safe for long-term use at these doses
When should I take Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate)?
With meals. Recommended; enhances insulin response context.
Which form of Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) is best?
Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate.
Is Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) safe?
Commonly reported: Minimal at typical doses, Headache (rare), Sleep disturbances (high doses).
Which Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) supplement scores highest?
Thorne Chromium Picolinate, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
35 mcg / dayChromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Blood sugar regulation
- Insulin sensitivity support
- Glucose metabolism
- Carbohydrate metabolism
How it works
- Potentiates insulin signaling pathways
- Enhances insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity
- Activates glucose transporter GLUT4
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-400 mcg daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Recommended; enhances insulin response context
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use at these doses
- Special populations
- Diabetes: consult healthcare provider; may require medication adjustment. Renal disease: use with caution.
Forms
- Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Minimal at typical doses
- Headache (rare)
- Sleep disturbances (high doses)
Contraindications
- Concurrent chromium supplementation from multiple sources
Products containing Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for chromium supporting glucose control in insulin resistance and diabetes. Nicotinate glycinate chelate form has reasonable bioavailability data, though direct comparative evidence vs. other forms is limited.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Mineral
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.